Día de Muertos

Dia de Muertos, Spanish for “Day Of The Dead”, is not something dark. It is a day filled with memories, hope, and love for who we are and where we come from.

Most of us in North America think that the holiday is celebrated on November 1. Traditional celebrations on November 1 for children and November 2 for adults, are done in a way that reaches every heart of Mexicans. All the while, still being celebrated privately in each heart as well. Dia de Muertos is a day to honor those who have passed, and all the wisdom they left behind for us.

It all started by the Aztec about 2500 years ago, and was celebrated at the beginning of August which was in its time the 9th month of the Aztec calendar and was celebrated for an entire month. It was to honor the goddess known as the "Lady of the Dead", corresponding to the modern La Calavera Catrina.

I personally love this holiday because of its rich cultural traditions. The festivities are second to none. Wonderful colors to please the eye, skull candy decorations, parades and food good enough to tempt you to continue the celebration for days. Most of which is made from “Mese” or corn. Like the famous Tamales, and the warm Champurrado, similar to Hot Chocolate and made with the rich cocoa from Oaxaca.

For weeks before you can find Pan de Muerto, (Bread of the Dead) being prepared. A sweet bread with traditional ingredients that is left out for the departed at graves and in homes where you will find many altars prepared to honor the impact and importance one had on a person's life.

For me, it is important to honor all that is part of our past. Good or bad, it is a part of who I am. Honoring the past denies the ability to fear the past and such is a great opportunity to stand on your story instead of in it. Making the past an integral part of who we are, and who we will continually grow to become.

Our modern busy lives don’t always afford us the opportunity to reflect on what was. So, take the day and celebrate where you have come from.

Here is a great declaration to honor who you have been, who you are, and keep you on the right road to being who you want to be.

Today I celebrate who I once was. All of it a part of who I am today. I am committed to being the best person that I can be for me, and will share my open heart with others. Giving the opportunity to witness selfless attention to loving myself enough to love myself better each day. I am abundance, joy and happiness.

The Aztec, and Mayan cultures are an important part of what we do at "LET IT GO" as they are a society that lives through their heart. Understanding that abundance is a natural reward for living authentically and with impeccability. We host our retreats in the Mayan Riviera so that we can share this wisdom with our guests in a way that the experience will last forever. Check out the video of our last retreat!